Local 10-digit dialing and the new 639 area code

More information

10-digit local dialing is already available on the SaskTel network. Ensure you program your telecommunications devices in advance to handle 10-digit dialing. See the checklists below for equipment that may need reprogramming.

Business 10-digit dialing checklist

Local 10-digit dialing will change the way you make local calls, record phone numbers, and provide your phone numbers to others. Prepare early so you'll be ready to switch to local 10-digit dialing when it becomes mandatory for all SaskTel residential and business customers on May 11, 2013.

Local 10-digit dialing will become mandatory for all SaskTel customers on May 11, 2013, so it's important to prepare your business for this change. You can now reprogram your telecommunication functions and equipment to include the 306 area code on all phone numbers.

Add the 306 area code to all your existing numbers

  • Speed-dial lists (Personal and Group)
  • Telephone options and functions (e.g. call forwarding, Voice Mail Access)
  • Fax machines
  • Modems and Internet connections
  • Cellular phones and other wireless devices (Note :text messages sent to numbers without an area code beginning May 11, 2013 will not be completed. Existing 3-digit numbers such as 911, 611 and 411 will continue to be 3-digit numbers and won’t change)  
  • Private branch exchanges and voice messaging
  • CDRs (Call Display Recording - real time reporting on any call that has been dialed from a customer's equipment)
  • Auto-dial systems
  • Key Systems
  • Software Databases (employees, partners, suppliers, customers, etc.)
  • OA&M (Operation, Administration and Management) applications and systems for the use of phone numbers as indentifies, tracking or reporting)
  • Apartment Enterphones
  • Alarm and security systems (Please note that many security systems dial a pre-programmed number in case of emergency. With the introduction of 10-digit local dialing, it is possible that some systems may fail to connect emergency calls to the security company. It is therefore critical to update these systems to ensure a sound operation. If you have any questions about your security system's 10-digit dialing readiness, please contact your security provider.)

Communicate your 10-digit numbers
Make sure to include your 10-digit phone number on all your correspondence and promotional materials.

  • Advertisements
  • Brochures and catalogues
  • Stationary, business cards, invoices and cheques
  • Internal business directories
  • Local telephone directories
  • Vehicles and signage
  • Websites and intranet
  • Any other materials that contain your telephone numbers
  • Communicate your area code whenever you give out your telephone, wireless phone, pager or other number to:
    • Employees
    • Clients
    • Suppliers
    • Affiliate companies
    • People who use a foreign exchange line to call you toll-free.

What will remain the same?

  • Your current telephone number, which includes your area code.
  • The price of a call, local and long-distance.
  • Long distance calls will not change – callers will continue to dial 1, then the area code, then the phone number to make a long distance call. Local calling areas will not change.
  • Existing 3-digit numbers such as 911, 611 and 411 will continue to be 3-digit numbers.

Programming your phone systems with 10-digits

Type of Programming

Who makes the change?

What charges apply to these changes?

Additional Information

Programming of Phone Systems:
Centrex Systems

SaskTel will make changes to the programming on behalf of the customer.

Free of charge.

 

PBX and IP-PBX Systems (i.e.: Mitel, Cisco)

These changes can either be made by SaskTel or by the customer.

Charges will apply based on the type of equipment and changes required.

Changes must be made within routing and calling parameters.

Key Systems (i.e.: BCM, Avaya IP Office, LDK-60)

These changes can either be made by SaskTel or the customer.

Charges will apply based on the type of equipment and changes required.

If your system has calling restrictions changes will be required.

Programming of Phone Extensions

These changes can either be made by SaskTel or the customer.

Charges will apply based on the type of equipment and changes required.

Functions of your extensions such as speed dial and call forwarding need to be reprogrammed.

*SaskTel will not be able to accommodate changes to equipment purchased from competitors that we do not currently support. Please contact your equipment provider for any necessary changes.

Support for services and equipment available on www.sasktel.com/support
To help you prepare for mandatory local 10-digit dialing there is support information available on www.sasktel.com/support for some services and equipment. To search for instructions to program features such as Message Manager, Call Forward, etc., visit www.sasktel.com/support and search for that feature. Or try searching for your equipment by model name and/or number.

Business contacts
To discuss your readiness for 10-digit dialing please call 1-800-SASKTEL (1-800-727-5835) or contact your SaskTel Representative.

Please note: all dates are tentative and subject to change.